Pieter Zhao, PhD candidate at the History Department of ESHCC, is researching maritime security and strategy as a Visiting PhD Fellow at the War Studies Department of the prestigious King's College London. Zhao has been working in London for several weeks now, and we spoke to him about his research and his fellowship in the English capital.
What is your doctoral research about?
"My NWO-funded doctoral research project explores how nonmilitary and irregular actors have shaped maritime warfare and security throughout history, and how historical perspectives can inform contemporary debates on maritime security and strategy.
In recent decades, a wide range of actors outside traditional state navies, including private companies, shipping firms, insurers, and international organisations, have become involved in practices traditionally associated with state authority at sea, particularly the organisation and use of armed protection. My project studies how and why this shift occurred, and how such actors became embedded in the broader maritime security architecture."
Which part of your research are you conducting in London?
"During my fellowship at the War Studies Department at King’s College London, I am working specifically on the chapter that examines the emergence and evolution of private maritime security companies in the context of counter-piracy operations since the early 2000s. This case provides a unique lens through which to analyse how private actors came to play a recognised and, over time, institutionalised role in maritime security governance."
How did you end up at King's College?
"The fellowship at King's came about at the invitation of Professor Christopher Kinsey, with whom I collaborate as part of his research group, the Forum for Private Security Research. I am temporarily working on my PhD research here as part of that research group. The fellowship was made possible in part by the generous support of the Erasmus Trust Fund and the Collaborative Maritime Funds, for which I am very grateful."
What does it mean to work at King's College?
"King's College London is a particularly stimulating place to work. There are many researchers working on similar themes within the international security world. It can sometimes be challenging not to get too distracted by all the interesting lectures, events and discussions, both within the department and in London in general. It is particularly special to be able to work with Professor Kinsey. Within the relatively small niche of research into private military and security companies, he is considered one of the leading authorities; he has written some truly seminal works in this field. That makes it a very valuable experience for me, because I can learn a lot from him, both in terms of content and methodology.
Methodologically, my research is primarily based on expert interviews with practitioners from navies, shipping companies, insurers, international organisations, and the private security sector. This environment offers valuable academic expertise and access to relevant networks in the fields of private security and maritime security studies. King's is internationally recognised as a leading centre for conflict, war and security studies."
What does the near future look like for you?
"My fellowship at King's College London lasts a total of six months, so I will return to the Netherlands in July. By then, I will be about halfway through my PhD programme. I am mainly using my time here to further develop this part of my research, after which I will return to the Netherlands to incorporate everything into my thesis and continue with the next chapter. At the same time, I think it is important to share my findings with relevant parties in the Netherlands, both within and outside the academic world."
- PhD student
